HISD board approves magnet funding proposal, 5-4

The HISD school board approved its general and magnet budgets by a vote of 5-4

Thursday, June 19, 2014

HOUSTON (KTRK) --

HISD board members approved the district's $1.7 billion operating budget which includes a controversial funding proposal for magnet and specialty schools.

The budget passed by a vote of 5-4.

65 people were signed up to speak on the magnet proposal including realtor Ed Wolff. He has 9-year-old twins at Kolter Elementary and is concerned that the school will lose important dollars. Each speaker was allowed one minute of time before board members made their final vote.

The new funding formula would reduce funding for a third of current magnet programs. The rest would receive more money.

The overall budget would remain the same. The plan also includes raises for entry level teachers.